The Killing of a Sacred Deer

Killing of a Sacred Deer
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Killing of a Sacred Deer

A heart surgeon must make a horrible choice in . Steven Murphy () is a cardiac surgeon living a seemingly happy life with his wife () and two children. Steven develops a paternal relationship with Martin (), a 16 year old boy, whose father died on Steven’s operating table years prior. However, the seemingly harmless friendship soon takes a strange turn and Steven if forced to make a choice that will forever effect his family.

From director Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster) comes a psychological thriller than goes to some very strange places. Steven Murphy begins a friendship with Martin out of sympathy, since the boy lives alone with his mother () and Steven likely harbors some lingering guilt about being responsible for Martin’s father’s death. However, Martin’s behaviour becomes increasingly obsessive, to the point that he even begins to date Steven’s daughter Kim (). Then things take a more unusual and sinister turn.

It is hard for me to talk too much about The Killing of a Sacred Deer without heavily spoiling the plot, though I will say that the film has some vaguely supernatural plot developments, which results in the film progressing from drama to almost a horror film. Probably the shining performance in the film is teenage actor Barry Keoghan (Dunkirk), who simultaneously is able to come of as sympathetic and creepy, with his somewhat autistic behaviour. While The Killing of a Sacred Deer might leave you a bit shaken and dumbstruck, it is still a film worth checking out.

8 / 10 stars
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Sean Patrick Kelly

Sean Patrick Kelly is a Toronto-based freelance film critic and blogger with a Bachelor of Arts in Cinema and Media Studies from York University. Since founding his site in 2004, Sean has shared his passion for cinema through insightful reviews and commentary. His work has also been featured in prominent outlets, including Toronto Film Scene, HuffPost Canada, Screen Anarchy, ScreenRant, and Rue Morgue Magazine.

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